The famed ballet kicks off its new season with a triple bill of world premieres entitled Oui, Non/In the Upper Room/In the Night With Washington Ballet. Akers, whose Broadway credits include the original productions of Nine and Grand Hotel, will provide live vocals for Oui, Non, which concerns "the smoldering culture of a French cabaret." Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room, which is set to a Philip Glass score, is described as "a rhythmic tour de force," while Jerome Robbins' In the Night features three pas de deux set to Chopin nocturnes. All three programs will be accompanied by live music.

The triple bill will be presented Oct. 25-29 at 8 PM with an additional show Oct. 28 at 2:30 PM.

Karen Akers received a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut as Luisa Contini in the original Tommy Tune-directed production of Nine and returned to Broadway in another Tune musical, Grand Hotel. Her feature film credits include "The Purple Rose of Cairo," "Heartburn" and "Vibes," and she was seen in an episode of the hit TV series "Cheers." It's been the concert/cabaret stage where Akers has been most praised. Her numerous solo recordings — including "Like It Was," "Unchained Melodies," "Presenting Karen Akers," "In a Very Unusual Way" and "If We Only Have Love" — are available on CD.

Tickets are priced $19-$115. Visit www.kennedy-center.org for more information.